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Bill

Bill

HB 1380

Individuals with developmental disabilities; provides to conduct emergency medical drills, etc.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Holly Seibold

Bill authorizes individuals with developmental disabilities to participate in emergency medical drills to build preparedness and response skills for real-world safety situations.

Reported from Health and Human Services and referred to Appropriations
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Bill Summary · HB 1380

Legislative bill overview

HB 1380 authorizes individuals with developmental disabilities to participate in and conduct emergency medical drills and preparedness exercises. The bill removes barriers that may prevent this population from engaging in realistic emergency response training scenarios. This legislation appears designed to ensure people with developmental disabilities can develop practical skills for responding to medical emergencies.

Why is this important

Emergency preparedness and medical response training are critical life skills, particularly for individuals with developmental disabilities who may face greater vulnerability during actual emergencies. Including this population in drills helps them practice appropriate responses, reduces anxiety around emergency procedures, and ensures caregivers and facilities can identify gaps in training. This can meaningfully improve safety outcomes and independence for a historically underserved population.

Potential points of contention

  • Liability and safety concerns: Facilities and schools may worry about legal liability if participants with developmental disabilities are injured during drills, potentially requiring robust liability protections or waivers
  • Implementation and resource requirements: Conducting inclusive drills may require additional staff training, modified procedures, and accommodations that increase operational costs
  • Appropriateness standards: Determining which individuals can safely participate and what drill intensity is appropriate may create administrative complexity and raise questions about consistent standards across facilities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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